Where is same-sex marriage banned?

Answer 1

California:

On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ordered that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry in order to comply with the state constitution. California began permitting same-sex marriage on June 16, 2008. Proposition 8, a public referendum, prohibited new same-sex marriages beginning November 4, 2008. However, that ban was struck down on August 4, 2010 and California was ordered to resume allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, a temporary stay was issued delaying the implementation of that order until the matter is resolved pending appeal in federal court. That process is scheduled to begin on September 6, 2011. In the meantime, same-sex marriages performed between June 16, 2008 and November 4, 2008 are still legal in California, even if they were performed elsewhere.

Answer 2

Opinion

Some states have banned gay marriage because the people of that state are afraid that if gay marriage becomes legal they will have to treat gay and lesbian people as equals. Many people let their religious beliefs dictate their political views so when a religion says something is wrong, the followers obey. In addition to this, many people pass judgement upon others without thinking of the consequences of their actions. These people honestly believe that they are doing the right thing and making the world better.

Opinion

A combination of some or all of the following occurs:

1. The majority of people in that state do not accept gay marriage.
2. The judicial branch does not accept gay marriage.
3. The legislative branch does not accept gay marriage

Many people have a picture in their mind of what a marriage is "supposed to be", and a gay couple does not fit into this picture. The 'typical' family as shown on TV and media includes a man and a woman and about three children. Gay couples are rare in the media and gay families are even rarer. Some people consider gay 'civil unions' or 'domestic partnership' more acceptable, as these terms are relatively blank slates, and can be changed to fit social perceptions. As social norms change, the perception of marriage may change to include gay couples.

Other factors also include:

• Unfamiliarity with the gay life style
• Dislike/hatred of homosexuality
• Religion
• People who believe it is the right thing to do
• Lack of consideration of the effects of banning or legalizing gay marriage
• Misinformation about the effects of banning or legalizing gay marriage

Opinion

The major resistance against same sex marriage comes from the religious right, primarily Christian sects. They cite such reasons as:

• The purpose of marriage is procreation
• Most religions consider homosexuality a sin
• It would weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage
• It would further weaken the "traditional family values" essential to our society
• It could provide a slippery slope in the legality of marriage (e.g. having multiple wives or marrying an animal could be next). This is the most irrational on the list- both plural marriage and bestiality are against the law in the US
• The gay lifestyle is not something to be encouraged

However, general attitudes among the citizenry in the United States regarding sam sex marriages are evolving rapidly. A March 20, 2011 Gallup Poll showed that a majority of Americans, 53%, now believe that same sex marriage should be recognized. That is a major change from just ten years ago. Fewer and fewer people are trying to justify discrimination agains gay, tax paying citizens. You can see the results of the poll at the related link.

Answer 3

1. Cuba (1976)
2. Burkina Faso (1991)
3. Bulgaria (1991)
4. Vietnam (1992)
5. Paraguay (1992)
6. Lithuania (1992)
7. Cambodia (1993)
8. Belarus (1994)
9. Moldava (1994)
10. Ukraine (1996)
11. Poland (1997)
12. Venezuela (1999)
13. Rwanda (2003)
14. Burundi (2005)
15. Honduras (2005)
16. Uganda (2005)
17. Latvia (2005)
18. Democratic Republic of Congo (2005)
19. Serbia (2006)
20. Montenegro (2007)
21. Ecuador (2008)
22. Bolivia (2009)
23. Cayman Islands (2009)
24. Dominican Republic (2010)
25. Kenya (2010)
26. Hungary (2011)
27. South Sudan (2011)

This is a list of U.S. states where the recognition and performance of same-sex marriage is explicitly banned either by the constitution or by statute.

1. Alabama (by constitution and statute);
2. Arizona (by constitution and statute);
3. Arkansas (by constitution and statute);
4. Florida (by constitution and statute);
5. Georgia (by constitution and statute);
6. Kansas (by constitution and statute);
7. Kentucky (by constitution and statute);
8. Louisiana (by constitution and statute);
9. Michigan (by constitution and statute);
10. Mississippi (by constitution and statue);
11. Missouri (by constitution and statute);
12. Montana (by constitution and statute);
13. Nebraska (by constitution and statute);
14. North Dakota (by constitution and statute);
15. Ohio (by constitution and statute);
16. South Carolina (by constitution and statute);
17. Tennessee (by constitution and statute);
18. Texas (by constitution and statute);
19. Wyoming (by statute only).

Answer 4

In some states, same-sex marriage was banned by statute, state law passed by the legislature. In other states, it was banned by constitutional amendment, a change to the state constitution passed by the legislature and by direct approval of voters. In some states, it was banned both ways. Please see link to related question below.

Answer 5

Proposition 8 if you are talking about America.

Proposition 8 was a California initiative. In the US, marriage law is the responsibility of each State. In some States, same-sex marriage is legal; in other States, civil unions between same-sex couples are legal.

Answer 6

Not entirely. The issuance of a marriage license for same-sex couples is currently prohibited in all but nine states (NY, VT, NH, CT, MA, IA, WA, ME, MD) and Washington, DC. Recognition of same-sex marriages is prohibited in all but those jurisdictions mentioned, plus possibly Rhode Island and New Mexico. Also, the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages for most purposes. (The Social Security Administration and the Department of State, for example, explicitly recognize same-sex marriages for the purpose of legal name change.)